David Shiller

    Over the past five and a half years, private equity (PE) firms have acquired more lighting manufacturers in the US & Canada than either publicly traded companies or private companies that are not controlled by a PE firm. This data was compiled by Merrimack Group, which specializes in advising lighting companies in mergers [...]

  Recently released new construction metrics show mixed monthly results, variations by sectors, and positive projections through 2023 and 2024. DMI The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, fell -2% in May to 180.5 points (2000=100) from the revised April reading of 184.1 points. Over the month, the commercial component of the [...]

ArchLIGHT Summit is a two-day commercial and architectural lighting event dedicated to delivering a dynamic, interactive, inclusive and collaborative experience for lighting designers and specifiers, interior designers, architects and other practicing and aspiring lighting professionals. The show is September 19 & 20, 2023, at the Dallas Market Center. ArchLIGHT Summit will showcase new products from [...]

  China’s share of U.S. imports has been declining sharply over the past six years. The all time high was 21.6% in 2017. The first four months of 2023 fell to 13.3%. That’s a 38% decline in import share over the past 6 years. If annualized at 13.3%, 2023 would be the lowest level since [...]

  LEDucation has put out a call-for-speakers for the 2024 conference. They are currently accepting speaking proposals through September 1, 2023, for the 2024 educational program. The 2024 Trade Show and Conference is scheduled for March 19-20 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. Virtual sessions will be offered the prior week, [...]

    Several headlight manufacturers have demonstrated shape-projecting headlights. The latest to do so is Hyundai Mobis, a parts provider controlled by Hyundai. The goal is to improve nighttime driving safety by projecting text or images onto the road surface. It could also potentially warn pedestrians of hazards. The lighting system is connected to a [...]

  Chinese factories have begun producing line voltage (120VAC) COB tape light after a couple years of promises that it was coming. AC COB tape light has all of the benefits of COB tape (no pixilated dots) and no separate brick driver/power supply to hide. U.S. manufacturers have been promising it is in the works, [...]

  The types of crops grown indoors are evolving as agricultural technology advances and the demand for local food increases across North America. Crops typically grown in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities include: Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, and other salad greens are some of the most commonly grown crops in CEA facilities. Herbs: [...]

At LightFair, I was part of a panel presenting the impacts of electrification on the lighting industry. This is the final article, Part 7, of the series. Dozens of states and municipalities have begun adopting energy benchmarking regulations that include fines to building owners who fail to meet either emissions or energy efficiency requirements. New [...]